Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

BOOK I

Reading Check

1. Who was the only non-Christian in Augustine’s home?

2. Where did Augustine grow up?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why did Augustine not enjoy his studies as a schoolboy?

BOOK II

Reading Check

1. Where did Augustine’s father send the teenaged Augustine to continue his studies?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why were Augustine’s parents not in a rush to marry him off?

2. Why does Augustine say he and his friends stole pears from a neighbor’s orchard?

BOOK III

Reading Check

1. Which book inspired Augustine to pursue philosophy?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is pure sorrow and how is it different from impure sorrow?

2. Why did Augustine turn to Manicheism?

Paired Resource

Augustine, the Manichaean, and the Problem of Evil

• This essay by Hector M. Scerri articulates the logical conundrum Augustine faced in attempting to understand the nature of evil and explains why the Manichaean religion at first drew Augustine in before ultimately leaving him dissatisfied.